Climate change is exacerbating and creating new health risks through increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, altering disease patterns, and compromising food and water security. Climate-induced health issues, such as the spread of infectious diseases and malnutrition, can lead to social unrest, displacement, irregular migration and conflict, which in turn can affect global peace and security. Countries with resilient health systems and climate adaptation strategies are better positioned to manage these threats, with more robust public health infrastructure that can better handle chronic and acute health challenges.
Australia is prioritising interventions that address both climate and health challenges, to ensure investments have a holistic and sustainable impact, foster more robust communities, and strengthen adaptive capacities at local, national, and international levels.